Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Management Reimbursement Revenue Management Reimbursement Revenue [Member] Management Reimbursement Revenue [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Business & Industry Business and Industry [Member] Business and Industry [Member] Aviation Aviation [Member] Aviation [Member] Healthcare Health Care [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Parking facility management fee revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Insurance [Abstract] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Standby letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Surety bonds Surety Bond [Member] Restricted insurance deposits Deposits [Member] Letters Of Credit [Line Items] Letters Of Credit [Line Items] Letters Of Credit [Line Items] Instruments used to collateralize insurance obligations Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] External Support Fees External Support Fees [Member] External Support Fees [Member] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Other Project Fees Other Project Fees [Member] Other Project Fees [Member] Lease Exit Costs Lease Exit [Member] Lease Exit [Member] Asset Impairment Asset Impairment [Member] Asset Impairment [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] GCA and Other Restructuring Program GCA and Other Restructuring Program [Member] GCA and Other Restructuring Program [Member] 2020 Vision Restructuring Program 2020 Vision Restructuring Program [Member] 2020 Vision Restructuring Program [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Cumulative charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Prior Credit Facility Prior Credit Facility [Member] Prior Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Standby Letters of Credit Swing Line Loan Swing Line Loan [Member] Swing Line Loan [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Term Loan Loans Payable [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, term Debt Instrument, Term Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Borrowing capacity after initial year of term Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity After Initial Year Of Term Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity After Initial Year Of Term Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Commitment fee percentage on unused portion of the Facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Leverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Fixed charge coverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Leverage ratio election option for four fiscal quarters in event of material acquisition Debt Instrument, Covenant Total Leverage Ratio, Optional Ratio For Four Fiscal Quarters In Event Of Material Acquisition Debt Instrument, Covenant Total Leverage Ratio, Optional Ratio For Four Fiscal Quarters In Event Of Material Acquisition Deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps Proceeds From Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Proceeds From Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Provision for bad debt Provision for Doubtful Accounts Discount accretion on insurance claims Accretion Expense Loss on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Income from unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable and costs incurred in excess of amounts billed Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other noncurrent assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Insurance claims Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other noncurrent liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities Adjustments to purchase and sale of business Divestiture Of Businesses, Adjustments Cash outflow representing an adjustment to a previous divestiture. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Taxes withheld from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net (Taxes Withheld) and Proceeds from Issuance of Share Based Compensation Awards (Taxes Withheld) and Proceeds from Issuance of Share Based Compensation Awards Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Deferred financing costs paid Payments of Financing Costs Borrowings from credit facility Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of borrowings from credit facility Repayments of Long-term Debt Changes in book cash overdrafts Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts Financing of energy savings performance contracts Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable Repayment of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Schedule of Insurance Related Balances and Activity Schedule Of Insurance Related Balances And Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Insurance Related Balances And Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations Insurance Disclosure [Table Text Block] Insurance Disclosure Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity April 30, 2021 Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 4/30/2021 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 4/30/2021 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity October 31, 2021 Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 10/31/2021 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 10/31/2021 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity April 30, 2022 Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 4/30/2022 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 4/30/2022 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity September 1, 2022 Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 9/1/2022 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Maturity 9/1/2022 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, fixed interest rate (percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Net gains from cash flow hedges recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Tax related to amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expense, net of taxes Interest Expense, Tax Amount Interest Expense, Tax Amount Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, gross Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Gross Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Gross Tax to be reclassified during next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Tax Amount Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Tax Amount Schedule of Credit Facility Information Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Term Loan Maturities Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Rate Swap Information Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Schedule of Management Reimbursement Revenue by Segment Management Revenue [Table Text Block] Management Revenue [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Effect of Adoption Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Pre-tax increase on retained earnings Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, before Tax Capitalized contract cost Contract Costs Capitalized Contract Costs Capitalized Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Number of industry groups Number Of Industry Groups Number Of Industry Groups Number of technical solutions segments Number Of Technical Solution Segments Number Of Technical Solution Segments Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities [Abstract] Gross term loan Loans Payable, Current, Gross Loans Payable, Current, Gross Unamortized deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net Current portion of term loan Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Abstract] Gross term loan Loans Payable, Noncurrent, Gross Loans Payable, Noncurrent, Gross Unamortized deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Total noncurrent portion of term loan Loans Payable, Noncurrent Line of credit Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Standby letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity after covenant restrictions Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After Covenant Restrictions Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After Covenant Restrictions Segment Reporting [Abstract] Technology & Manufacturing Technology And Manufacturing [Member] Technology And Manufacturing [Member] Education Education [Member] Education [Member] Technical Solutions Technical Solutions [Member] Technical Solutions [Member] Government Services Government Services [Member] Government Services [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Revenues Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenues Operating profit (loss) Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Operating profit (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Income from unconsolidated affiliates Adjustment for tax deductions for energy efficient government buildings, included in Technical Solutions Energy Efficient Government Buildings Tax Credits, Amount Energy Efficient Government Buildings Tax Credits, Amount Interest expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] U.S. statutory federal rate (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Net discrete tax benefit from remeasurement of deferred taxes at new rate due to Tax Act Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) for remeasurement of deferred tax from change in tax rate pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. One-time transition tax on deemed repatriation of indefinitely reinvested earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense from transition tax on accumulated earnings of controlled foreign corporation deemed repatriated pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Increase tax benefit from remeasurement of deferred taxes at new rate due to Tax Act Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Remeasurement of one-time transition tax on deemed repatriation of indefinitely reinvested earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Change in Tax Rate, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Change in Tax Rate, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase (decrease) in tax credits, work opportunity tax credit Increase (Decrease) in Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Increase (Decrease) in Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income tax expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Income tax benefit related to vesting of share-based compensation awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax deductions for energy efficient government buildings Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Deduction Energy Efficient Government Buildings, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Deduction Energy Efficient Government Buildings, Amount Discrete tax benefit, provision income tax expense benefit Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financial Information by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, remaining performance obligation, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Hussein Hussein [Member] Hussein [Member] Castro Castro [Member] Castro [Member] Isse Isse [Member] Isse [Member] Hussein And Isse Hussein And Isse [Member] Hussein And Isse [Member] Hussein, Opt-Out Hussein, Opt-Out [Member] Hussein, Opt-Out [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Energy Savings Contracts Energy Savings Contracts [Member] Energy Savings Contracts [Member] Performance Guarantee Performance Guarantee [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Surety bonds Surety Bonds The amount of bonds, as of the end of the accounting period, issued by a second party, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the Company's obligations to a third party. In the event that the Company does not meet its obligations, the third party will recover its losses via the bond. Guarantee obligation Guarantee Obligation The total amount of guaranteed energy savings. Subsidiary ownership interest (in percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Total guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses Loss Contingency Accrual Amount of reasonably possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Income Statement [Abstract] Operating expenses Cost of Goods and Services Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring and related expenses Restructuring Charges Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Operating profit Income from unconsolidated affiliates Income tax (provision) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax benefit (provision) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income per common share — Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per common share — Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Employee severance Lease exit costs and asset impairment Other project fees Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Costs recognized Payments Payments for Restructuring Balance, end of period The Company and Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Domain] Insurance Policies [Domain] Insurance Policies [Domain] Insurance claim reserves, excluding medical and dental All Other Claim Types [Member] All Other Claim Types [Member] Medical and dental claim reserves Medical And Dental Self Insurance Program [Member] Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program [Member] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items] Insurance claim reserves Self Insurance Reserve Insurance recoverables Estimated Insurance Recoveries Schedule of Restructuring and Related Liabilities Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding — Basic (in shares) Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding — Diluted (in shares) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Calculations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Anti-Dilutive Outstanding Stock Awards Issued Under Share-Based Compensation Plans Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Anti-dilutive (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Self insurance retention amount per-claim Self Insured Retention Amount Per Occurrence Self Insured Retention Amount Per Occurrence Primary policy limit Workers Compensation General Liability and Other Insurable Risks Insurance Policy Limit Represents the policy limit provided by the insurance program for workers' compensation, general liability, and other insurable risks. Insurance policy coverage, general and automobile liability losses Insurance Policy Coverage, General Liability And Automobile Liability Losses Represents commercial insurance umbrella policies that cover general liability and automobile liability losses above primary limits. Insurance policy coverage, property damage Property Damage Policy Limit Represents the policy limit provided by the insurance program for property damage risks. Self insurance retention amount per-claim, medical plan Self Insured Retention Amount Per Participant Per Year For Certain Employee Medical And Dental Programs Self Insured Retention Amount Per Participant Per Year For Certain Employee Medical And Dental Programs Change in reserves for insurance claims Increase in Total Reserve Claims Increase in Total Reserve Claims Insurance reserve adjustment, amount higher than prior year adjustment Insurance Reserve, Adjustment Less Than Or (Greater Than) Prior Year Adjustment, Amount Insurance Reserve, Adjustment Less Than Or (Greater Than) Prior Year Adjustment, Amount Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Taxes AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Balance, beginning of year Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock issued (taxes withheld) under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Net income Dividends Dividends [Abstract] Common stock ($0.180, $0.175, $0.360, and $0.350 per share) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Stock issued under share-based compensation plans Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Stock Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Balance, end of year (in shares) Balance, end of year Common stock, dividends (in usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Under Historical Guidance Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, net Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Costs incurred in excess of amounts billed Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred income tax liability, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Janitorial Janitorial [Member] Janitorial [Member] Parking Parking [Member] Facility Services Facility Services [Member] Facility Services [Member] Building & Energy Solutions Building & Energy Solutions [Member] Building & Energy Solutions [Member] Airline Services Airline Services [Member] Airline Services [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Credit Facility Debt And Derivative Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for the entity's debt and derivative instruments. Includes information about the amount of borrowings under the entity's line of credit and other matters important to the users of the financial statements and describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Term Loan Maturities Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Debt maturities, 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Debt maturities, 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Debt maturities, 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Debt maturities, 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Auction Rate Securities Auction Rate Securities [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Insurance deposits Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Credit facility Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swaps liabilities Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest rate swaps assets Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Number of auction rate securities Debt Securities, Number of Securities Debt Securities, Number of Securities Investments in auction rate securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements Impacts on Balance Sheet and Statements of Comprehensive Income Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Major Service Lines and Segments Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $20.4 and $19.2 at April 30, 2019 and October 31, 2018, respectively Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other investments Other Long-term Investments Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $176.6 and $153.9 at April 30, 2019 and October 31, 2018, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $280.6 and $250.4 at April 30, 2019 and October 31, 2018, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Total assets Assets Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt, net Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued taxes—other than income Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Insurance claims Self Insurance Reserve, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, net Noncurrent insurance claims Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 66,330,804 and 66,004,361 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2019 and October 31, 2018, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Income tax provision Net income per common share — Basic (in usd per share) Net income per common share — Diluted (in usd per share) Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Billed trade receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Billed Trade Receivable, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Billed Trade Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled trade receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Unbilled Trade Receivables, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Unbilled Trade Receivables, Net, Current Costs incurred in excess of amounts billed Contract with Customer, Asset, Costs Incurred in Excess of Amounts Billed, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Costs Incurred in Excess of Amounts Billed, Current Capitalized commissions Contract with Customer, Asset, Capitalized Commissions Contract with Customer, Asset, Capitalized Commissions Capitalized contract price Contract with Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease) for New Capitalized Costs Contract with Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease) for New Capitalized Costs Capitalized contract cost, amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Capitalized contract cost, impairment loss Capitalized Contract Cost, Impairment Loss Contract with Customer, Liabilities [Roll Forward] Contract with Customer, Liabilities [Roll Forward] Contract with Customer, Liabilities [Roll Forward] Contract liabilities, balance at beginning of period Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Additional contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease) for Additional Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease) for Additional Contract Liabilities Recognition of deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Contract liabilities, balance at end of period Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Prior Year Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Management Reimbursement Revenue by Segment and Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]